In August 2025, the American travel landscape is undergoing a significant transformation. Instead of jetting off to far-flung destinations or crowding into resorts abroad, more families and friend groups are embracing a quieter, more communal form of vacationing: the group staycation. This growing trend involves renting homes, cabins, or villas within driving distance and spending time relaxing and reconnecting without the stress or cost of long-distance travel. The result is a rise in local getaways that emphasize comfort, affordability, and shared experiences.
The popularity of group staycations is being driven by a combination of economic caution and a renewed desire for meaningful personal connections. As inflation remains a concern and airfare continues to rise, many Americans are choosing to cut travel costs by staying local. Rather than booking hotels or flying to vacation hotspots, they are finding value in pooling resources with friends and family to rent larger spaces that accommodate everyone under one roof. This arrangement not only reduces individual expenses but also creates an environment that supports bonding and togetherness.
Recent data indicates that over 60 percent of U.S. staycation bookings in 2025 are for group travel, a significant increase from previous years. The majority of these bookings fall within a few hours’ drive of the travelers’ home locations, making weekend escapes and spontaneous plans more feasible. These mini-getaways often take place in suburban, rural, or scenic areas, where peace and privacy are more attainable. Destinations just outside major cities or nestled in natural surroundings—such as lakeside homes, mountain cabins, and countryside villas—have become especially popular.
The properties themselves reflect the needs of these new vacationers. Homes with multiple bedrooms, large kitchens, spacious living rooms, and outdoor amenities like patios, fire pits, or pools are in high demand. Travelers are opting for stays that allow them to cook group meals, gather for board games or movie nights, and enjoy each other’s company in a relaxed setting. In contrast to the often rigid, impersonal atmosphere of hotels, these rentals offer a home-away-from-home feel that appeals to groups seeking both intimacy and flexibility.
Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo have responded to the shift by highlighting listings suited for larger groups. These include homes with bunk rooms for kids, pet-friendly amenities, and open-concept spaces designed for entertaining. Some booking sites have even introduced filters and packages that cater specifically to group travelers, making it easier for users to find suitable accommodations without the hassle of coordinating across multiple locations.
This trend is particularly strong among younger generations. Millennials and Gen Z travelers are increasingly planning getaways with friends or extended family members, favoring shared experiences over solo adventures or traditional family vacations. These group dynamics extend to emerging phenomena like “grandymoons,” where grandchildren and grandparents vacation together. The emotional payoff of these trips often outweighs the logistical challenges, as they allow different generations to connect in a relaxed, supportive environment.
Group staycations are not only a cost-effective solution but also align with the evolving purpose of vacations in today’s world. Instead of focusing on sightseeing and tourism, many travelers now prioritize emotional wellbeing and quality time. The modern traveler is more interested in unwinding, creating memories, and engaging in shared experiences that strengthen relationships. The appeal of gathering with loved ones around a backyard barbecue or enjoying a sunset from a private porch has proven more compelling than dealing with airport delays or tourist crowds.
The trend also reflects changing seasonal behaviors. Rather than committing to a single, extended summer vacation, many households are opting for several shorter trips throughout the season. These flexible, weekend-long stays make it easier to accommodate different schedules and preferences, allowing groups to come together without the burden of long-term planning. They also respond well to the unpredictability of modern life, offering the spontaneity and simplicity that many find lacking in more traditional travel.
Group staycations also mesh well with emerging trends like bleisure travel—the blending of business and leisure. Remote workers and professionals who travel for business are increasingly extending their trips to include personal time with friends or family, often inviting others to join them. This fluid approach to travel supports longer stays and encourages the kind of slow, community-focused tourism that group staycations naturally provide.
Finally, broader social and political conditions have played a role in reinforcing this movement. Rising geopolitical tensions, tighter visa rules, and volatile international travel policies have pushed many Americans to reconsider overseas vacations. Meanwhile, domestic tourism has remained strong and adaptive, providing a stable alternative that aligns with economic and logistical realities.
In sum, the group staycation has become a symbol of modern travel’s evolution—one that prioritizes connection, convenience, and cost-efficiency. As Americans continue to navigate a shifting travel economy and redefine what it means to take a break, these local, shared retreats offer a compelling answer. Whether it’s a lakeside cabin, a backyard poolside villa, or a quiet home nestled in the woods, the group staycation has emerged as the preferred choice for those seeking joy, rest, and reconnection close to home.
